Online CV

I am an experienced leader with an established track-record of delivering business transformation and growth, strategic development and innovation in the arts, culture and library sectors. I have raised more than EUR20m in new investment, led successful large-scale programmes and built a strong media profile and network.

Career History

2015-present

Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)
As CEO of CILIP, I am responsible for working with the Board of Trustees to set strategic direction, develop and implement operational plans, secure inward investment, lead member engagement and develop a positive working culture through structured support for CPD.

2004-2015

Chief Executive Officer, Collections TrustAs CEO of the Collections Trust, I gave the organisation strategic direction, increased turnover by more than 300%, diversified our funding base, raised the profile of the organisation and secured new partnerships with leading consumer and entertainment brands. In the process, I led the organisation through processes of change and consolidation and created a strong and positive working culture.

2009-2014

Former Chair, Europeana Network
The Europeana Network is a cross-industry body representing more than 1200 organisations across the Creative & Cultural Industries in Europe. As Chair, I was responsible for developing the Network to represent industry organisations, leisure and entertainment brands, broadcasters, mobile network providers.

2008-2014

UK Representative for Culture & Technology at the European Commission
Since 2008, I have been the DCMS-nominated representative to the European Commission on Culture and the Creative Industries. In this role, I work with Civil Servants to set strategic objectives and key messages, present to EC Committees and liaise directly with MEPs on key policy agendas around Culture and Technology.

2002-2004

Regional Adviser, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA)
As Regional Adviser, I supported the planning and establishment of 9 English Regional Agencies under a common strategic framework to represent the interests of local and regional arts and culture organisations in partnership with the Regional Development Agencies.

2000-2002

Technology Adviser, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA)
As Technology Adviser, I was responsible for developing policy and funding initiatives to support cultural organisations in embracing the Digital agenda. In this capacity, I acted as expert adviser to a range of national and international initiatives worth in excess of EUR200m focusing on developing innovative business models, building infrastructure, skills and online content. I was a member of the Peoples Network team, supporting the rollout of Internet connectivity in public libraries.

Skills & Experience

Leadership

I am a committed and passionate leader, with experience of uniting people behind a common mission and sense of purpose.

Enterprise

I am a committed social entrepreneur, with a strong track record of identifying and exploiting opportunities for business development across retail, licensing and ecommerce. I have developed successful startup companies and have experience of business model innovation in a corporate and commercial context.

Strategy

I am a strategic and tactical thinker, and am always looking for opportunities and connections to exploit to the benefit of my organisation. I have experience of strategic planning, agile development, resource and budget planning in a highly competitive funding environment.

Communications

I am a highly effective communicator, with skills in leadership, negotiation and media management. I have led successful Marketing and Communications campaigns and have appeared on TV and radio and in the national press. I have provided evidence to Lords and Parliamentary Select Committees.

Management

I am an experienced manager, with a particular commitment to investing in my people, building their skills and confidence and empowering them to achieve results. As a former PROSPECT Union representative, I have an excellent grounding in current employment law, and have experience of managing difficult situations, change management, leading teams through restructuring, redundancy and relocation and developing CPD and performance programmes.

Financial

I have experience in all aspects of financial management including budgeting, sales and nominal ledger management, forecasting, financial reporting, retail and cost analysis and Charity and Public Sector accounting (including SORP and SOFA). In my current role, I have implemented organisation-wide redevelopment of Financial systems and processes.